Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheddar Crockpot Potatoes Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an extra layer of flavor, consider crisping the bacon bits in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker if you prefer a crunchier texture. While the bacon will soften during the slow cooking, adding a handful of fresh, crispy bacon bits right before serving can provide a delightful textural contrast that elevates the overall dish to a restaurant-quality experience.

If you find the sauce is too thick after cooking, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of milk or heavy cream to adjust the consistency to your liking. This will create a creamier sauce that coats the potatoes even more effectively. Always add liquid sparingly, stirring well between additions, to ensure you reach the perfect balance of thickness and creaminess without diluting the intense barbecue flavor.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a tablespoon of diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the slow cooker to introduce a deep, smoky heat that complements the barbecue flavors beautifully.
• Herb-Infused: Stir in a tablespoon of fresh chopped chives or parsley right before serving to add a bright, fresh herbal note that balances the richness of the cheese and bacon.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure the potatoes have cooled completely before sealing the container to maintain freshness.

When reheating, it is best to do so gently to prevent the cheese sauce from separating. If the sauce appears too thick after refrigeration, add a tiny splash of water or milk before reheating to restore the original, creamy consistency of the glaze.

You can prepare the potato cubes and dice the onions the night before to save time. Keep the potatoes submerged in cold water in the refrigerator to prevent browning, then drain and pat dry thoroughly before adding them to the slow cooker.

The sauce, bacon, and cheese can also be measured and stored in separate containers, allowing you to simply dump and layer everything in the morning for a stress-free meal preparation.

Serving ideas

These BBQ potatoes serve as a hearty and filling side dish that complements a wide array of main courses. They are particularly well-suited for outdoor gatherings, pairing exceptionally well with grilled steaks, barbecued ribs, or juicy burgers.

The combination of smoky, cheesy, and tangy flavors provides a robust counterpoint to the charred, savory notes of grilled proteins, making the overall meal feel balanced and satisfying for your guests.

When serving, present the dish in a large bowl or directly from the slow cooker for a casual and inviting aesthetic. Providing a variety of extra garnishes on the side, such as additional green onions or a bottle of ranch dressing, allows your guests to customize their portions to their own preferences.

This interactive element adds a welcoming touch to your table, ensuring everyone can enjoy the potatoes exactly how they like them best.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheddar Crockpot Potatoes

Prep 15 minCook 3 h 30 minTotal 3 h 45 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 3 lb red potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups smoked cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup smoky barbecue sauce
• 1 cup red onion, diced
• 1 cup thick bacon bits
• 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, for serving
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced, for serving
• ranch dressing, for serving

Instructions

1. Add the cubed red potatoes into the 6-quart oval slow cooker. Evenly distribute the diced red onion, thick bacon bits, shredded smoked cheddar cheese, and the smoky barbecue sauce over the potatoes. Ensure the ingredients are layered to allow the flavors to meld during the slow cooking process.
2. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to the HIGH heat setting. Allow the potatoes to cook for three and a half hours. The heat will soften the potatoes while the cheese melts into the barbecue sauce, creating a thick, bubbling, and flavor-packed glaze that coats every single potato cube perfectly.
3. Once the cooking time is complete, remove the lid and gently stir the potatoes to coat them thoroughly in the thickened cheese and barbecue sauce mixture. Serve hot directly from the slow cooker, garnished with a generous amount of sliced pickled jalapeños, fresh green onions, and a light drizzle of ranch dressing over the top.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

9.5 g

Carbohydrates

42 g

Fat

13.5 g

Fiber

4 g

Sugar

8 g

Sodium

750 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.